B    M    135    3bD 


STRONG    EYES 

HOW     WEAK     EYES     MAY    BE 
STRENGTHENED  AND  SPEC- 
TACLES DISCARDED. 


BKRNARR  MACFADDEN 

Editor    of      "Physical      Culture,"    and 

"Woman's   Physical   Development.  " 

AND   AU    "OR    OF    "VIRILE    POWERS     OF      SUPERB     MANHOOD," 

"STRENGTH    FROM    EATING,"'      "NEW    HAIR    CULTURE," 

"ATHLETES  CONQUEST,"     ETC.,  ETC. 


Copyrighted  1901 
— by — 

BERNARR  MACFADDEN  IN  U.  S.  A. 

ENTERED  AT   STATIONER'S  HALL,   LONDON,   ENGLAND. 
ALL  RIGHTS  RESERVED. 


Published  by  the 

PHYSICAL  CULTURE  PUBLISHING  CO., 

NEW    YORK,    U.    P.    A. 


ZE5I 

> 

LIB; 

Lou  uion 


°f  Optometrists 

CONTENTS. 


Chapter  I. 

THE  EYES— The  most  Important  of 
Human  Organs  of  Sense.  The  Mechan- 
ism and  Mystery  of  Sight — The  Lan- 
guage of  the  Eye  and  its  Expression  of 
Individual  Character 3 

Chapter  II. 

BEAUTIFUL  EYES— The  seat  of  In- 
tellectual and  Emotice  Charm — Elusive- 
ness  of  Definition — The  Physical  Causes 
of  Beautiful  Eyes — Concordant  Develop- 
ment of  Eyes  with  Character 11 


m6?S**9 


Chapter  III. 

STRONG  EYES— Their  Necessity  to 
a  Strenuous  Life — The  limitations  of 
the  Blind  and  the  Weak-sighted — Strong 
Eyes  the  main  Factor  in  Personal  Mag- 
netism and  Hypnotism 19 

Chapter  IV. 

DULL  EYES— Always  the  Result  of 
General  Physical  Debility — Absurdity  of 
Rooking  for  a  Local  cause  or  of  Seeking 
for  Local  Remedies — The  Eyes  a  Ther- 
mometer of  Health — How  Dull  Eyes 
may  be  Brightened 29 

Chapter   V. 

WEAK  EYES— Result  of  Over-taxing 
— Bad  Light  and  Wrong  Positions  in 
Reading — How  these  are  to  be  Corrected 
— Evils  of  Present  Education  of  School- 
children—  How  Weak  Eyes  may  be 
Strengthened 33 


Chapter  VI. 

CRIPPLED   EYES— The  Eyes    that 

are  Born  so — The  Eyes  that   are    Made 

so — Spectacles  are  Crutches — How  these 

may  be  Laid  Aside 39 

Chapter  VII. 
DISEASED  EYES— Congestion  and 
its  Treatment — Inflammation  and  its 
Treatment — Catarrh  of  the  Eye  and  its 
Treatment — Granulation  and  its  Treat- 
ment— Eye-pimples  and  Styes,  Tumors  of 
Eyelids  and  their  Treatment — Spasms 
and  Twitchings  of  the  Eyelids  and  their 
Treatment — Specks  before  the  Eyes  and 
their  Treatment — Cross-eyes  and  their 
Treatment — Diseases  of  the  Cornea  and 
their  Treatment — Diseases  of  the  Iris 
and  their  Treatment — Diseases  of  the 
Pupil  and  their  Treatment — Cataract  and 
its  Treatment — Diseases  of  the  Choroid 
and  their  Treatment — Diseases  of  the 
Retina  and  their  Treatment — Diseases  of 
the  Optic  Nerve  and  their  Treatment.  46 

iii 


Chapter  VIII. 

CONSTITUTIONAL  TREATMENT 
for  Strengthening  the  Eyes — Out-of-door 
Exercise — Diet 61 

Chaptkr  IX. 

MASSAGE  OF  THE  EYE— How  the 
Eye  may  be  Massaged  with  the  Fingers. 

78 

Chapter  X. 

EYES  EXERCISES— Illustrated  Sys- 
tem of  Exercises  for  Strengthening  the 
Muscles  that  Control  the  Eyes 83 

Chapter  XI. 
EYE      BATH— How     this    Valuable 
Means  of  Strengthening  the  Eyes  can  be 
Taken — Shown  by  Illustration 91 

Chapter  XII. 

SPECIAL  EXERCISES— Illustrated 
Exercises  for  the  Neck  which  will  Effect 
the  Eyes  Beneficially , 97 

iv 


Chapter  XIII. 

EXERCISES      FOR      CONSTITU- 
TIONAL TREATMENT 105 


'Oh,  loss  of  sight,  of  thee  I  most   complain!" 

—Milton. 


PREFACE. 

Who  can  estimate  the  value  of 
eyes  "the  windows  of  the  soul?" 

If  one  were  to  be  offered  the 
wealth  of  the  world  in  exchange 
for  his  power  of  vision  the  proposi- 
tion would  not  be  attractive. 

Notwithstanding  the  enormous 
value  of  this  power  everywhere,  in 
every  walk  of  life,  the  eyes  are  ill- 
treated  and  subjected  to  intemper- 
ate use. 

This  common  abuse  of  these 
valuable  organs  has  caused  spec- 
tacles, the  eye  crutches  to 
be       used,       almost       universally 


2  PREFACE 

while  absolutely  nothing  is  known 
of  natural  means  for  remedying 
these  visional  defects. 

I  believe  that  the  information 
furnished  here  if  acted  upon  will 
not  only  save  thousands  of  suffer- 
ers from  the  necessity  of  wearing 
glasses,  but  those  now  using  this 
artificial  and  ultimately  injurious 
aid  to  the  eyes  will  be  able  to  cast 
it  aside. 

Strong  eyes,  like  strong  arms, 
can  be  developed  and  the  contents 
of  this  book  will  tell  how  such  re- 
sults can  be  secured. 


•'Eyes  that  shame  the  violet, 
Or  the  dark  drop  that  on  the  pansy  lies." 
—  William  Cullen  Bryant. 


CHAPTER  I. 

THE  EYES. 

Of  all  the  organs  of  special  sense 
possessed  by  man  the  eye  is  by  far 
the  most  important.  Indeed  the 
superiority  is  so  universally  recog- 
nized that  sight  is  taken  as  repre- 
sentative of  sense  perception  in 
general.  A  man  is  said  to  view  a 
subject  told  him  by  word  of  month. 
He  "sees  a  point"  rather  than  feels 
it.  Even  odors  and  tastes  are  de- 
scribed   by    sight    symbols.     Per- 


4  STRONG   EYES 

fumes  are  alluring,  and  the  victim 
of  the  tobacco  habit  is  said  to  awake 
in  the  morning  with  a  "dark  brown 
taste  in  his  mouth." 

Many  other  animals  than  man 
have  other  senses  than  sight  in 
preeminence.  Smell  is  so  highly 
developed  in  a  dog  that  scientists 
declare  that  the  sleeping  hound 
following  his  imagined  quarry 
dreams  mainly  if  not  entirely  of 
scents.  The  cat  with  all  of  its 
marvelous  adaptation  of  the  eye 
for  hunting  by  night  locates  its 
prey  by  hearing  even  more  than 
by  seeing.  But  man  depends  for 
material  perception  far  more  on 
sight  than  any  other  sense.  He 
tests  everything  by  it.     "Seeing  is 


THE  EYES  5 

knowing"  and  "seeing  is  believing" 
are  proverbs  even  recognized  by 
law,  where  actual  sight  of  the  per- 
petration of  a  crime  is  considered 
necessary  to  verify  the  evidence  of 
a  witness. 

The  reason  for  this  preeminence 
is  to  be  found  in  the  highly  devel- 
oped physical  structure  of  the  eye, 
more  specifically  in  that  of  the  op- 
tic nervous  system.  This  system 
is  the  real  eye.  What  is  common- 
ly known  as  the  eye  is  only  the 
eye  ball,  which  is  simiply  the  term- 
inus of  the  system.  •  Its  marvelous 
structure  is,  after  all,  merely  the 
end  of  a  nerve,  developed  through 
countless  ages  of  natural  selection 
just  as  an  eye  of  a  cuttlefish,  is  a 


6  STRONG   EYES 

special  evolution  of  skin  structure. 

Consequently  proper  treatment 
of  the  eye  should  include  the  whole 
optic  system,  instead  of  the  eye 
ball  alone,  as  is  commonly  the 
case. 

And,  as  treatment  for  nervous 
disorders  largely  depend  on  that 
which  influences  the  whole  body, 
the  hygiene  of  the  eye,  is  therefore 
principally  constitutional.  The 
optic  nervous  system  is  the  real 
eye.  The  parts  of  the  eye  ball, 
the  mere  mechanism,  may  be 
replaced  by  artifice.  Spectacles  or 
lenses  supplement,  even  wholly 
perform,  the  office  of  the  natural 
"crystalline  lens."  The  "aqueous 
fluid"  also  has  been    replaced   by 


THE  EYES  7 

water.  But  only  the  processes  of 
nature  can  resupply  or  rebuild  lost 
or  diminished  nervous  energy.  It 
is  therefore  out  of  place  in  this 
treatise  to  discuss  the  mechanism 
of  the  sight  more  than  to  mention 
some  of  the  latest  scientific  conclu- 
sions. The  reader,  who  may  be 
interested  from  a  purely  educa- 
tional point  of  view  can  study  the 
anatomy  and  physiology  of  the 
eye  in  any  school  text-book. 

Suffice  it  to  say  that  the  images 
of  objects  pass  through  the  crys- 
talline lens  of  the  eye  and  project 
their  outlines  upside  down  upon 
the  retina.  The  light  vibration 
forming  the  image  on  the  retina  is 
transmuted    into    nerve    vibration 


8  STRONG  EYES 

and  telegraphed  to  the  brain-cent 
where  the  sight  function  is  local- 
ized. If  the  nerves  and  brain  are 
healthy,  fully  and  normally  devel- 
oped, the  impression  will  be  accu- 
rate, but  if  otherwise  it  cannot  be 
depended  upon  with  any  degree  of 
certainty. 

Owing  to  the  intimate  connec- 
tion of  the  eyes  with  the  whole 
nervous  system,  passing  emotions 
are  very  clearly  indicated  by  the 
expression  of  the  eyes.  "The  love- 
light  in  the  eye"  has  been  the 
theme  of  amatory  verse  of  all  ages 
and  times.  The  various  colors  of 
the  pupils  have  been  said  to  indi- 
cate diverse  characteristics.  It  was 
Thompson  Moore  who  wrote: — 


THE  EYES 

"The  brilliant  black  eye 

May  in  triumph  let  fly 

All  its  darts  without  caring  who  feels  'em; 

But  the  soft  eye  of  blue, 

Though  it  scatter  wounds,  too, 

It  much  better  pleased  when  it  heals  'em." 


The  eyes  are  capable  of  express- 
ing not  only  general  emotions  and 
broad  traits  of  character,  but  also 
ideas  and  specific  thoughts.  Not 
only  figuratively,  but  literally  some 
people  "talk  with  their  eyes." 

In  this  accomplishment  the  Ori- 
entals are  especially  proficient.  Se- 
cret information  of  a  proposed  con- 
spiracy has  been  communicated 
from  one  native  to  another,  by  the 
eyes  alone,  even  in  the  presence  of 
Englishmen. 

There  is  no  feature  of  the  hu- 
mane physiognomy    that    gives    a 


io  STRONG  EYES 

more  clearer  indication  of  character 
than  do  the  eyes.  Give  Brutns  the 
fnrtive  eyes  of  "lean  and  hungry" 
Cassius,  gentle  Ophelia  the  pas- 
sionate, burning  orbs  of  Lady 
Macbeth,  and  what  a  change  is 
wrought.  We  read  of  the  clear 
and  piercing  glance  of  Cardinal 
Richeleu,  the  "penetrating  stab  of 
the  eyes  of  Bonaparte;  the  mystic- 
dreaming  eyes  of  Swedenburg  and 
we  feel  that  the  eye  described 
stands  for  the  man — is  the  true  in- 
dex of  his  character. 

To  the  eye  then,  we  can  search 
for  aid  in  estimating  character,  and 
the  hygienic  measures  adopted  to 
improve  the  one  cannot  fail  to  cor- 
respondingly strengthen  the  other. 


"I  look  upon  the  fair  blue  skies, 

And  nought  but  empty  air  I  see; 

But  when  I  turn  me  to  thine  eyes, 

It  seemeth  unto  me 

Ten  thousand  angels  spread  their  wings 

Within  those  litte  azure  rings." 

— O.    W.  Holmes. 


CHAPTER  II. 

BEAUTIFUL  EYES. 

"Age  cannot  change  nor  custom 
stale  Her  infinite  variety." — Thus 
wrote  Shakespeare  of  Cleopatra,  the 
most  beautiful  woman  of  ancient 
times.  The  great  Caesar  fell  prey 
to  her  charms,  and  in  her  wondrous 
Egyptian  eyes  Mark  Antony  read 
the  secret  .of  his    destiny.     From 


12  STRONG  EYES 

the  testimony  of  contemporary  his 
torians  we  learn  that  the  chief 
charm  of  the  wonderful  women  la}' 
in  the  mysterious  splendor  of  her 
eyes.  Dark,  lustrous,  large  they 
mirrored  the  placid  twilight  of  the 
Egyptian  days,  -or  the  passionate 
burning  of  the  noonday  sun.  Bnt 
not  only  were  her  eyes  the  windows 
of  Cleopatra's  emotive  nature;  they 
as  well  expressed  the  fire  and  vigor 
of  an  intellect  unsurpassed  in 
brilliancy  and  resource  by  any  an- 
cient or  modern  queen.  The  mis- 
tress of  a  dozen  tongues,  versed  in 
the  lore  of  the  ancient  philosophies, 
Kigh  Priestess  of  Isis  and  Osiris, 
we  are  told  by  Plutarch  that  her 
eyes,    even    more  adequately  than 


BEAUTIFUL  EYES  13 

her  tongue,  gave  expression  to  the 
brilliancy  and  versatility  of  her 
mind. 

Wherein  this  wonderful  power 
of  expression  consists,  physiolo- 
gists have  never  been  able  to  de- 
termine. Like  beauty  in  its  vari- 
ous manifestations,  by  its  very 
elusive  mystery  it  charms  as  it  be- 
wilders us.  Many  theories  of  the 
beautiful  have  been  advanced  by 
philosophers  at  various  times,  but 
in  no  instance  have  they  been  able 
adequately  to  explain  hoiv  or  why 
certain  combinations  of  colors  and 
of  form  should  excite  pleasant 
rather  than  unpleasant  sensations. 
And  this  is  specially  true  of  the 
eyes.     The  most    delicate    instru- 


14  STRONG  EYES 

ments  might  not  be  able  to  estab- 
lish a  perceptible  difference  in 
color,  form  or  size  of  two  pairs  of 
eyes,  and  still  one  pair  might  be 
considered  beautiful  and  the  other 
homely. 

Bnt  if  we  leave  the  consideration 
of  abstract  beauty  to  the  student  of 
aesthetics,  and  take  it  from  the 
simpler  ground  of  practical  hy- 
giene, many  very  substantial  es- 
sentials to  beautiful  eyes  may  prof- 
itably be  considered.  The  eye  to 
be  beautiful  must  be  clear0  It  mttsl 
be  free  from  defects — myopia,  ob 
liquity,  astigmatism.  The  lashes 
must  be  of  a  proper  length,  the 
lids  healthy  and  the  whites  free 
from  the  discolorations  of  impure 


BEAUTIFUL  EYES  15 

blood.  A  perfect  digestion,  a 
healthy  and  energetic  circulation 
of  the  blood,  a  delicate  nervous 
poise,  are  all  physical  prerequisites 
to  beautiful  eyes.  Form,  color  and 
size,  however  important  in  them- 
selves, avail  nothing  without  the 
lustre  and  brilliancy  and  express- 
ion imparted  by  general  physical 
tone,  and  though  the  shape  and 
color  of  the  eyes  can  never  be 
changed,  they  can  be  greatly  im- 
proved in  strength  and  appearance 
by  the  rational  system  of  constitu- 
tional and  hygienic  treatment  to  be 
considered  later. 

In  concluding  this  chapter  it 
may  be  well  to  also  mention  that 
not  only  does  the  eye  give  express- 


16  STRONG  EYES 

ion  to  traits  of  character,  as  stated 
in  a  preceding  chapter,  but  no  de- 
velopment of  character  is  possible 
without  a  corresponding  develop- 
ment of  the  power  of  expression  in 
the  eye. 

"Don't  trust  that  man"  you  often 
hear  one  person  say  of  another; 
and  in  answer  to  your  demand  for 
a  reason  you  are  told  "that  he 
never  looks  one  straight  in  the 
eye."  Children  especially  are 
usually  able  to  read  correctly  the 
character  from  the  eyes,  while  er- 
minologists  and  alienists  tell  us 
that  the  criminal  and  the  insane 
can  be  invariably  be  recognized  by  a 
peculiarly  furtive  expression  of  the 
eyes  that  they  cannot  disguise  even 


BEAUTIFUL  EYES  17 

by  the  greatest  cunning. 

On  the  other  hand  the  value  of 
the  eye  to  actors,  and  orators  is 
universally  conceded.  Who  has 
not  read  of  the  flashing  eyes  of 
Patrick  Henry?  of  Webster,  Cal- 
houn &  Clay?  While  one  of  the 
most  striking  and  remarkable  plays 
on  the  stage  to-day  is  dependent 
for  realistic  effect  upon  the  wonder- 
ful ability  of  the  actor  to  transform, 
in  the  presence  of  his  audience  and 
without  resorting  to  extraneous 
aids,  the  mild  and  gentle  eyes  of 
Dr.  Jekyl  to  the  cruel  and  devil- 
ish eyes  of  Mr.  Hyde. 


"Sight  is  priceless,  and  for  this  reason 
when  the  eyes  need  help  they  need  the  best 
help."— Prof.  J.  H.  Greer,  M.D. 


"Millions  of  eyes  are  rendered  miser- 
able to  look  upon,  or  from,  by  the  drugifica- 
tions  of  doctoring,  washes,  lotions,  leeching, 
blistering,  bleeding,  calomelizing,  etc."— 
R.  T.  Trail,  M.D. 


"L/Ojk  on  his  eyes,  and  thou  wilt  find 

A  sadness  in  their  beam, 

Like  the  pensive  shades  that  willows  cast 

On  the  sky-reflected  stream." 

— Eliza  Cook. 


CHAPTER  III. 
STRONG  EYES. 

There  is  no  evil  that  has  accom- 
panied modern  civilization  so  close- 
ly as  that  of  weak  eyes.  Along 
with  the  growth  of  the  newspaper 
from  a  fonr-paged,  four-columned 
sheet  printed  with  large  type,  to 
the  sixty-four  page  '  'Sunday  Edi- 
tion" printed  on  inferior  paper, 
and  frequently  with  very  small 
type,   has  appeared  a  progressive 

19 


20  STRONG  EYES 

degeneration  of  the  visual  powers. 
It  is  "the  reading  habit"  that  has 
also  called  attention  to  this  weak- 
ness of  the  eyes,  and  cheap  poorly 
printed  literature  has  had  much  to 
do  towards  producing  this  condi- 
tion. The  progress  of  science  that 
has  for  its  object  the  study  of  ab- 
normal manifestations,  the  appli- 
cation of  greatly  complicated  meth- 
ods in  consideration  of  such  phe- 
nomena, is  likewise  partly  respon- 
sible for  this  condition  of  affairs. 
For  as  the  body  of  science  has  in- 
creased in  magnitude,  further 
knowledge  along  these  particular 
lines  has  been  acquired  only  by 
the  development  of  various  special- 
ties wherein    the  individual  inves- 


STRONG  EYES  21 

tigator  concentrates  his  powers 
upon  a  certain  line  of  research  to 
the  exclusion  of  all  other  knowl- 
edge. As  a  result  life  in  all  its 
abnormal  details  has  been  analyzed 
and  dissected  as  never  before  in 
the  history  of  the  world,  with  the 
further  result  that  things  have 
been  magnified  and  distorted  ont 
of  all  relation  to  each  other.  This 
microscopic  scrutiny  of  things  ab- 
normal and  the  neglect  of  the  nor- 
mal have  developed  what  may  be 
called  the  corrective  treatment  as 
opposed  to  the  preventative  treat- 
ment in  remedying  diseased  con- 
ditions. Thus  handicapped,  men 
of  science  do  not  treat  causes  ex- 
cept in  the  light  of  effects.     They 


22  STRONG  EYES 

have  followed  the  erroneous  conclu- 
sion that  the  elimination  of  effects 
is  the  same  as  the  destruction  of 
causes;  that  corrective  remedial 
agencies  are  efficacious  even  if  they 
ignore  the  causes,  and  the  fact  that 
there  is  an  ever  active  tendency  in 
the  body  to  cure  itself  if  allowed 
an  opportunity  is  almost  universal- 
ly ignored. 

As  a  consequence  of  this  error, 
we  find  in  this  special  line,  not  only 
adults  but  children  depending 
upon  artificial  means  for  relief  from 
the  effects  of  imperfect  vision.  In- 
stead of  prescribing  a  rational  con- 
stitutional treatment  for  weakness 
and  defects  of  the  eyes — absolutely 
the    only    means    that    can   bring 


STRONG  EYES  23 

about  a  proper  adjustment  of  ner- 
vous system  of  which  the  sense  of 
sight  is  an  important  part — the 
"specialist"  recommends  the  em- 
ployment of  local  correctives,  the 
final  effect  of  which  is  to  perma- 
nently impair  if  not  absolutely  de- 
stroy, the  organ  subject  to  such 
treatment. 

In  illustration  of  the  inefficacy 
of  the  local  corrective  treatment, 
may  be  cited  the  name  of  Charles 
Broadway  Rouss,  the  Merchant 
Prince,  and  Joseph  Pulitzer,  Editor 
and  owner  of  the  New  York  World. 

The  case  of  Mr.  Rouss  is  par- 
ticularly interesting.  From  the 
beginning  of  his  trouble  he  has 
consulted    the   greatest  specialists 


24  STRONG   EYES 

in  the  world,  he  has  employed  an 
"understudy"  npon  whom  all  op- 
erations were  performed  to  test 
their  efficacy  before  being  tried  on 
himself.  He  has  offered  fabulous 
sums  to  anyone  who  could  save 
him  from  total  blindness,  but  with- 
out avail.  With  his  body  grad- 
ually weakening,  not  only  his 
muscular  system  by  his  entire  ner- 
vous organization  gradually  deter- 
iorated. The  blood  under  these 
circumstances  loses  its  virility  and 
healing  power  and  in  his  case  a 
decadence  of  visual  power  began 
that  no  treatment  ever  benefited 
for  the  reason  that  the  necessity 
for  up-building  the  entire  bodily 
structure  was  never  recognized. 


STRONG   EYES  25 

Milton  blind  could  scarcely  ap- 
preciate the  value  of  good  eye  sight 
to  one  living  the  strenuous  life  of 
to-day.  The  complexity  of  con- 
temporary social  life,  the  diversity 
of  interests  of  the  Twentieth  Cen- 
tury, intellectual,  industrial  and 
artistic,  were  undreamed  of  by  the 
greatest  of  Milton's  time.  Com- 
petition has  never  been  so  keen, 
the  draft  made  upon  the  energies 
and  capabilities  of  the  individual 
has  never  been  so  great  as  at  pres- 
ent, and  he  whose  visual  powers 
are  threatened  is  indeed  an  object 
of  universal  commiseration.  What 
is  left  for  the  blind  when  thousands 
of  otherwise  sound  and  capable  be- 
ings  are  disqualified  for  the  field 


26  STRONG   EYES 

of  labor  by  a  comparatively  trifling 
defect  of  vision?  Should  the  en- 
tire male  population  of  the  United 
States  make  application  for  certain 
classes  of  railway  employment, 
color  blindness  alone  would  dis- 
qualify at  least  five  per  cent,  or 
more  than  two  millions  of  people. 
If  to  color-blindness  be  added  rayo- 
pia,  astigmatism  and  hyperopia,  at 
least  double  that  number  wrould 
have  to  starve  so  far  as  our  great 
railroad  corporations  are  concerned. 
Nor  is  railroading  alone  the  only 
field  of  labor  from  which  the  man 
of  defective  vision  is  excluded.  «  A 
large  army  of  men  are  employed  in 
illustrating  of  various  kinds;  in 
the  plants  of  corporations  engaged 


STRONG   EYES  27 

m  the  production  of  posters  for 
advertising  purposes  to  which  may 
be  added  photographers,  artists, 
landscape  gardners  and  others,  all 
of  whom  depend  for  their  daily 
bread  on  unimpaired  eyesight. 

The  magnetic  power  that  many 
possess  may  likewise  be  traced  to 
the  same  source.  To  sedulously 
care  for  the  eyes  should  then  be 
one's  first  duty.  It  is  the  first  of 
all  the  organs  of  special  sense.  Be- 
fore adopting  any  course  of  cor- 
rective treatment,  every  natural 
means  of  securing  relief  by 
strengthening  the  nervous  system 
should  be  conscientiously  tried. 
When  satisfied  that  the  cause  of 
the  trouble  is  not  in  the  general 


28 


STRONG    EYES 


nervous  system,  other  methods  can 
then  be  tried. 


'Her  eyes  are  homes  of  silent  prayer.'' 

—  Tennyson,  In  Memoriam 


CHAPTER  IV. 

DULL  EYES. 

Nearly  everyone  has  observed 
the  peculiarly  lustreless  and  ex- 
pressionless condition  of  the  eyes 
of  an  intoxicated  person.  They 
roll  heavily  and  meaninglessly  in 
their  sockets,  devoid  of  expression 
and  fire.  This  proves  most  con- 
clusively how  intimate  is  the  con- 
nection between  the  nervous  sys- 
tem and  the  eyes.  In  fact  the  eyes 
like  the  tongue  are  a  fair  index  of 
29 


30  STRONG    EYES 

the  condition  of  one's  stomach, 
whether  that  condition  be  induced 
by  intemperate  indulgence  in 
drugs,  liquor,  tobacco,  or  by  over- 
work, improper  food  or  gormandiz- 
ing. 

If  the  functions  of  the  various 
organs  are  properly  performed 
blood  is  furnished  to  the  eyes  in 
all  its  purity.  The  eyes  nourished 
with  pure  rich  blood  are  brilliant, 
healthy  and  strong.  But  if  the 
defecting  organs  are  slow  and  tor- 
pid in  their  functions,  a  sluggish 
circulation  of  impure  blood  follows, 
and  the  eyes,  along  with  the  other 
bodily  organs,  grow  weak  and  dull. 
Imperfect  digestion  and  general 
nervous  debility  affect  the  power 


DUU,  EYES  31 

of  the  eyes  for  usefulness  as  well 
as  their  appearance. — So  true  is 
this,  that  one  may  safely  assert 
that  nearly  every  case  of  defective 
vision  not  caused  by  intemperate 
use  is  made  possible  by  the  gen- 
eral debility  of  the  whole  system 
rather  than  the  local  causes  usual- 
ly blamed.  The  futility  of  apply- 
ing local  remedies  thus  becomes 
manifest.  They  fail  to  remove  the 
cause  of  the  trouble.  To  the  true 
occulist  the  eyes  should  be,  as  in 
fact  they  are,  the  thermometer  of 
health;  and  the  first  step  in  the 
diagnosis  of  every  case  submitted 
for  treatment  should  be  a  careful 
investigation  of  the  patient's  gen- 
eral physical  condition-     If,  upon 


32  STRONG  EYES 

examination,  it  be  found  that  lie 
is  suffering  from  pronounced  gen- 
eral debility,  the  very  first  efforts 
should  be  directed  towards  the  cor- 
rection of  that  and  towards  the  es- 
tablishment of  a  healthy  nervous 
tone. 

A  prescription  consisting  of  a 
simple  nutritious  and  obstemious 
diet,  fresh  air  and  exercise,  to- 
gether with  the  local  and  other 
treatment  advised,  will  usually  re- 
store the  eyes. 


"His  dark,  pensive  eye, 

Speaks  the  high  soul,  the  thought  sublime, 

That  dwells  on  immortality." 

— Charlotte  Elizabeth 


CHAPTER   V. 

WEAK  EYES. 

Leaving  out  physical  weakness 
one  of  the  chief  causes  of  weak 
eyes  is  overwork.  To  persist  in 
fine  needlework  when  the  eyes  have 
registered  a  protest;  to  read  fine 
print,  or  coarse  print  on  inferior 
paper;  to  strain  the  eyes  by  at- 
tempting to  read  in  a  dim  light,  is 
but  to  court  disaster  for  the  visual 

33 


34  STRONG   EYES 

powers.  Strained  eyes  like  sprained 
ankles  cannot  be  cured  in  a  day, 
nor  by  the  application  of  local 
remedial  agents  alone.  Time,  rest, 
general  nervous  relaxation,  assist- 
ed by  physical  culture,  dietetic  and 
general  constitutional  treatment 
can  alone  effect  a  cure. 

The  eyes  are  weakened  frequent- 
ly by  the  cumulative  effect  of  per- 
sistent abuses,  and  only  by  per- 
sistence in  the  opposite  course  can 
relief  be  secured.  Let  us  take  for 
instance  the  weak  eye  resulting 
from  a  disregard  of  optical  require- 
ments. Thousands  of  school  chil- 
dren sit  with  the  light  pouring 
through  uncurtained  windows 
sheer  into   their  eyes,   week   after 


WEAK  EYES  35 

week,  and  month  after  month  re- 
gardless of  the  well-known  evil 
effect  snch  a  practice  mnst  inevi- 
tably produce.  Even  the  most  ig- 
norant of  amateur  Photographers 
would  not  think  of  turning  his 
camera  towards  the  sun  to  secure 
acceptable  impressions  of  even  the 
largest  of  objects;  but  a  silly  and 
reckless  school  board  will  so  ar- 
range desks  that  it  becomes  neces- 
sary for  the  pupil  to  turn  a  far 
more  delicate  instrument  directly 
towards  the  light  of  day  in  order 
to  learn  to  read  and  write. 

Just  as  the  sensation  film  in  a 
camera  is  impaired,  if  not  ruined 
by  the  untempered  rays,  so  the 
more    delicate    retina    of    the    eye 


36  STRONG  EYES 

suffers  from  the  same  cause.  For- 
tunately the  eye  is  able  usually  to 
recuperate,  to  repair  the  tissues 
abused,  otherwise  the  injury 
would  be  immediate  and  irrepara- 
ble. Bnt  even  the  recuperative 
powers  of  youth  are  frequently  ex- 
hausted, and  thousands  of  young 
people  leave  school  with  a  defective 
vision  that  the  simplest  regards  for 
light  requirements  might  have 
made  impossible. 

As  before  stated,  eyes  are  not 
weakened  in  a  day,  nor  are  they 
cured  in  a  day.  For  years  a  mother 
sews  by  a  dim  inadequate  light. 
She  does  not  rest  when  they  feel 
fatigued.  At  length  her  eyes  give 
out.    She  consults  an  occulist,  who 


WEAK  EYES  37 

prescribes  and  furnishes  spectacles 
and  she  considers  herself  cured. 
Little  does  she  realize  that  she  has 
but  made  use  of  a  crutch  for  the 
eyes.  For  the  time  being  they 
enable  the  eyes  to  continue  their 
work  with  less  effort,  but  at  the 
same  time  the  very  condition  they 
were  prescribed  to  relieve  is  made 
chronic.  The  crutch  becomes  a 
permanent  necessity  and  like  the 
man  who  acquires  the  habit  of 
using  stimulants,  the  magnifying 
power  of  the  glasses  must  be  made 
gradually  greater  to  accommodate 
the  constantly  increasing  demand 
made  upon  them.  The  ultimate 
effect  of  all  this  in  many  cases  is 
permanent  weakness   of   the   eyes 


3b  STRONG   BYES 

and  not  infrequently  total  blindness 
is  ultimately  induced. 

As  the  treatment  for  dull  eyes 
is  fresh  air,  exercise,  proper  diet, 
and  the  adoption  of  rational  hy- 
gienic means  for  constitutional  up- 
building described  and  illustrated 
in  succeeding  chapters,  so  the 
proper  measures  to  observe  for  rem- 
edying weak  eyes  are  the  same, 
supplemented  by  ample  rest  when 
the  eyes  are  fatigued  and  a  due 
regard  for  position  and  light  re- 
quirements when  the  eyes  are 
being  used. 


"Eyes  that    were  fountains  of    thought  and 
Song." 

— Bayard  Taylor, 


CHAPTER  VI. 

CRIPPLED  EYES. 

Eyes  may  be  crippled  in  many 
ways.  The  excessive  use  of  tobac- 
co or  any  nerve  stimulant  will  if 
long  continued  make  them  either 
dull  or  weak,  and  frequently  both. 
Fine  needlework,  if  persisted  in 
after  the  eyes  are  irritated  by  fa- 
tigue, will  impair  the  most  perfect 
vision  in  a  few  months.  Dim 
lights  should  also  be  avoided  when 

39 


4o  STRONG   EYES 

using  the  eyes.  Reading  when  in 
a  reclining  position  is  said  to  be 
injurious,  though  if  great  care  be 
maintained  to  properly  adjust  the 
light  and  book  or  paper,  no  serious 
harm  should  result  from  this.  The 
light  should  fall  directly  on  the 
paper  and  should  be  shaded  from 
the  eyes,  though  where  the  paper 
throws  a  strong  reflection,  care 
should  be  used  to  turn  this  away 
from  the  eyes,  and  as  soon  as  the 
least  fatigue  is  experienced,  they 
should  be  given  a  few  minutes  rest 
by  closing  the  lids.  Pain  is  Na- 
ture's great  danger  signal,  and 
when  it  is  ignored  serious  weak- 
ness of  the  abused  organs  are  sure 
to  result. 


CRIPPLED  EYES  ** 

Another  important  cause  of 
crippled  eyes  is  the  nse  of  glasses 
in  order  to  read.  They  should  be 
removed,  invariably  when  not  read- 
ing— in  fact,  should  be  worn  as 
little  as  possible  at  all  times. 
Eyes  that  are  born  defective,  short- 
sighted, long-sighted,  astigmatic, 
instead  of  being  treated  by  rational, 
constitutional  methods,  both  of  hy- 
giene and  massage,  are  supplied 
with  glasses.  While  this  method 
temporarily  relieves  the  inconven- 
ience resulting  from  defective 
vision,  it  simply  intensifies  and 
makes  chronic  the  defect  in  the 
end.  The  reason  for  this  is  plain. 
Under  these  abnormal  conditions 
the  blood  is    usually  deficient   in 


42  STRONG   EYES 

the  elements  essential  to  the  proper 
nourishment  of  the  eye,  and  glasses 
are  absolutely  the  worst  remedy 
that  can  be  adopted.  Take  the 
arm,  for  instance,  and  decrease  the 
efforts  required  of  the  muscles  and 
as  a  consequence  the  flow  of  blood 
to  them  decreases.  The  arm  grows 
smaller  and  weaker  day  by  day. 
Identically  the  same  conditiou  ex- 
ists in  the  eyes.  After  glasses  of 
a  certain  character  are  worn  for  a 
while,  it  becomes  as  difficult  to  see 
with  them  as  it  formerly  was  to 
see  without  them.  The  blood  is 
not  of  proper  quality  or  perhaps 
does  not  properly  circulate  through 
the  tissues  and  nervous  system  of 
the  eyes.     They   grow   gradually 


CRIPPLED  EYES  42 

weaker.  If  the  cause  of  your 
trouble  is  not  removed  glasses  of 
still  greater  power  must  finally  be 
used.  Like  one  who  is  a  slave  to 
stimulants,  the  quantity  or 
strength  must  be  continually  in- 
creased to  bring  about  similar  ef- 
fects. Thus  is  the  end  defeated 
by  the  means  employed  and  the 
defect  that  was  to  be  remedied, 
if  not  made  worse,  is  always  made 
chronic  by  this  false  theory  of 
treatment. 

Among  the  numerous  complica- 
tions induced  by  the  wearing  of 
spectacles  may  be  mentioned  one 
which,  though  of  interest  to  all,  is 
of  especial  importance  to  women. 


44  STRONG   EYES 

Spectacles  destroy  the  beauty 
and  expression  of  the  eyes. 
Imagine  Helen  of  Troy  with 
glasses.  Put  spectacles  on  the 
Venus  of  Milo  or  the  Apollo 
Belvedere!  What  could  be  more 
ridiculous?  Spectacles  lessen  the 
power  of  the  eyes  to  portray  cha- 
racter, they  take  away  the  force 
and  ardor  from  spoken  words. 

There  is  no  excuse  in  the  great 
majority  of  cases,  for  the  wearing 
of  glasses  at  all.  Proper  attention 
to  the  methods  here  presented  for 
strengthening  the  eyes  will  in 
every  instance  ultimately  bring 
about  satisfactory  results,  though 
it  would  be  well  to  remember  that 
improvement  must  not  be  expected 


CRIPPLED  EYES 


45 


in  a  day  or  two,  or  even  in  a  week 
or  two.  In  some  instances  a  slight 
improvement  may  be  noted  in  a 
few  days,  but  ordinarily  it  will 
take  at  least  a  month  of  persistent 
treatment  to  show  a  decided  change 
for  the  better. 


•Thine  eyes  are  springs  in  whose  serene 
Ana  silent  waters  Heaven  is  seen." 

-lb. 


CHAPTER   VII. 

DISEASED  EYES. 

There  are  many  diseases  of  the 
eyes.  Attention  will  be  called 
to  a  few  of  the  most  common 
forms — how  they  are  induced  and 
how  they  may  be  cured. 

Congestion  of  the  conjunctiva  of 
the  eyes  is  often  caused  by  expos- 
ing the  eyes  to  the  irritation  of 
smoke,  or  even  of  strong  winds.  It 
is  also  occasioned  by  straining  the 
eyes  in  looking  at  minute  objects, 
46 


DISEASED  EYES  47 

or  by  reading  without  sufficient 
light.  Though  it  may  apparently  be 
brought  about  by  any  one  of  these 
local  causes,  the  general  physical 
condition  has  a  great  influence.  If 
the  blood  is  in  a  bad  condition,  full 
of  impurities,  it  will  take  but 
slight  irritation  to  produce  inflam- 
mation, but  if  otherwise,  the  eyes 
can  bear  a  great  amount  of  ill  usage 
without  noticeable  harm. 

The  value  therefore  of  constitu- 
tional treatment  in  this  trouble  is 
important  and  suggestions  in  ref- 
erence to  this  should  be  rigidly 
followed.  In  local  treatment  the 
eyes  should  frequently  be  given  a 
bath  in  moderately  cold  salted 
water  as  described   in    chapter   to 


4$  STRONG  EYfiS 

follow.  This  may  be  supplemented 
by  the  application  of  wet  cloths  to 
the  eyes,  changing  them  as  fre- 
quently as  occasion  may  require. 
The  patient  must  rest  the  eyes  as 
much  as  possible.  Avoid  reading 
in  a  poor  light  or  straining  the 
eyes  with  fine  sewing  or  fine  print. 
This  practice  often  does  much  to- 
wards influencing  the  trouble,  and 
the  causes  must  be  eliminated  be- 
fore a  permanent  cure  can  be  af- 
fected. 

Catarrh  of  the  eye  is  the  result 
of  a  prolonged  continuation  of  sim- 
ilar conditions  to  those  that  pro- 
duce congestion.  Those  suffering 
from  this  complaint,  often  feel  as 
if  sand  were  in  the  eyes.     In  the 


DISEASED  EYES  49 

early  morning  the  lids  are  frequent 
ly  stuck  together  so  firmly  that 
great  difficulty  is  experienced  in 
opening  them.  Constitutional  and 
local  treatment  as  advised  for  con- 
gestion with  a  complete  rest  for 
the  eyes  is  unquestionably  about 
the  best  treatment  for  this  trouble. 
When  the  lids  are  .swollen  and  the 
eyes  red  and  hot,  an  eye  bath  in 
salted  water  may  be  employed  to 
advantage  several  times  a  day.  If 
inflammation  is  especially  severe,  a 
weak  solution  of  sulphate  of  zinc, 
not  over  one  grain  an  ounce  of  water 
may  sometimes  be  used  beneficial- 
ly. Two  or  three  drops  should 
be  allowed  to  fall  into  the  eyes  two 
or  three  times  each  day.     Poultices, 


50  STRONG  EYES 

eye  waters,  and  remedies  of  that 
nature  should  all  be  avoided.  Burn- 
ing of  the  lids  can  nearly  always 
be  alleviated  by  an  eye  bath. 

Trachoma,  or  granulation  of  the 
eyelids,  is  a  condition  in  which  the 
mucous  membranes  of  the  lids  be- 
come thick  and  rough  in  conse- 
quence of  little  granular  lumps  on 
the  lids.  It  is 'generally  the  result 
of  improper  treatment  of  the  eye 
when  inflamed,  but  more  frequent- 
ly arises  from  disorders  of  the 
stomach  and  liver  resulting  from 
improper  diet,  lack  of  outdoor  ex- 
ercise, etc.  In  treatment  for  this 
disease,  the  patient  should  observe 
the  general  rules  for  constitutional 
treatment,  using  the  greatest  care 


DISEASED  EYES  51 

in  his  diet,  discarding  tea,  coffee 
and  stimulants  generally  (includ- 
ing tobacco)  and  also  fat  meats  anc 
pastry.  The  more  abstemious  the 
patient  is  and  the  more  simple  and 
nutritious  the  food,  the  better.  In 
the  treatment  of  all  these  troubles 
the  eyes  should  be  carefully  pro- 
tected from  very  bright  lights. 

Styes  are  a  very  painful  species 
of  small  boils  that  form  generally 
on  the  edge  of  the  eyelids.  The 
disease  usually  follows  the  course 
of  ordinary  boils,  and  is  nearly 
always  brought  about  through  con- 
stitutional causes,  general  debility 
a  disordered  stomach,  etc.  If  treat- 
ment is  begun  at  first  sign  of  their 
appearance;  they  may  be  absorbed 


52  STRONG  EYES 

without  suppuration,  but  if  well 
started  relief  may  be  secured  more 
speedily  by  allowing  them  to  come 
to  a  head.  Usually  they  will  open 
themselves  when  ready  to  discharge 
the  pus,  though  in  some  cases  re- 
lief can  be  secured  more  speedily 
by  opening  with  a  lance.  A  per- 
manent cure  can  be  affected  only 
by  adopting  constitutional  treat- 
ment. Pimples  and  tumors  of  the 
eye  are  nearly  always  produced  by 
abnormal  pl^sical  conditions,  and 
can  be  cured  by  the  same  methods 
as  advised  in  treating  styes. 

Spasm  and  twitching  of  the  eye- 
lids are  spasmodic  effections  of  the 
muscles  that  close  the  lids.  They 
are  due,  chiefly,  to  general  nervous 


DISEASED  EYES  53 

weakness,  though  the  presence  of 
foreign  bodies  in  the  eye  will  often 
cause  severe  spasms.  When  due 
to  the  presence  of  any  irritating 
substance,  the  cause  of  course 
should  be  first  removed;  but  when 
due  to  constitutional  causes,  the 
regular  treatment  for  building  up 
the  general  health  should  be  adopt- 
ed. The  exercise  of  tightly  clos- 
ing the  eyes  should  be  taken  fre- 
quently. The  eye  bath  should  be 
used  two  or  three  times  per  day. 

Muscae  Volit antes — Specks  be- 
fore the  Eye.  Frequently  persons 
are  annoyed  by  specks,  or  by  what 
sometimes  resemble  cobwebs,  float- 
ing before  the  eyes.  This  is  due, 
as  a  rule,  to  the  imperfect    refrac- 


54  vSTRONG  EYES 

tion  of  light  by  the  vitreous  humor 
of  the  eye  consequent  upon  certain 
changes  of  cell  structure.  The 
only  treatment  for  this  complaint 
is  to  purify  the  blood  and  build  by 
constitutional  means.  Rich  foods, 
condiments,  alcoholic  drinks  and 
tobacco,  should  especially  be 
avoided. 

Cross-Eyes — One  is  said  to  be 
cross-eyed  when  one,  or  when  both 
eyes,  turn  in  toward  the  nose. 
Specialists  claim  that  in  the 
majority  of  cases  this  condition  can 
be  entirely  corrected  only  by  a 
surgical  operation;  but  in  number- 
less cases  excellent  results  are  ob- 
tained by  employment  of  constitu- 
tional treatment,  massage  and  eye- 


DISEASED  EYES  55 

baths  suggested  later    on    in    this 
work. 

Diseases  of  the  Cornea — Many 
diseases  come  under  this  head  such 
as  Paunus,  ulceos  and  opacities  of 
the  cornea,  etc.  In  nearly  every 
instance  affections  of  this  character 
are  directly  traceable  to  constitu- 
tional causes,  general  debility  re- 
sulting from  poor  digestion,  over- 
indulgence in  alcoholic  liquors,  ex- 
cessive use  of  tobacco,  etc.  This 
being  true,  the  treatment  to  be 
pursued  suggests  itself.  It  should 
be  constitutional  and  rich  foods, 
condiments,  liquors  and  tobacco, 
should  be  discarded.  This,  with 
exercisers  that  tend  to  strengthen 


56  STRONG   EYES 

and  improve  the  nervous  tone,  will 
afford  relief. 

Diseases  of  the  Iris — Iritis.  This 
is  a  most  painful  disease,  it  being 
frequently  confounded  with  neural- 
gia. The  eyes  become  congested 
and  the  lids  swollen.  Feverishness 
and  a  want  of  appetite  often  accom- 
pany the  disease.  The  pupils  fail 
to  expand  and  contract  readily 
under  the  influence  of  strong  light, 
and  unless  great  care  is  taken  the 
affection  is  likely  to  become 
chronic.  The  chjef  thing  to  be 
feared,  in  this  disease,  is  perma- 
nent contraction  of  the  pupil.  This 
is  best  prevented  by  frequent  eye- 
baths,  a  very  abstemious  diet  and 
general    constitutional    treatment. 


DISEASED  EYES  57 

Application  of  hot  and  cold  cloths 
alternately  to  the  eye  will  usually 
assuage  the  pain.  The  patient 
should  be  careful  not  to  use  the 
eyes  more  than  is  absolutely  neces- 
sary. 

Diseases  of  the  Pupil — Mydriasis 
— Myosis — These  diseases,  respec- 
tively unnatural  dilitation  and  un- 
natural contraction,  of  the  pupils 
of  the  eyes,  may  result  from  paraly- 
sis of  one  of  the  nerves  of  the  eye, 
from  rheumatism  or  from  syphilis. 
Eye  massage  and  eye-baths,  in  con- 
nection with  the  constitutional 
treatment  recommended  in  this 
work,  will  do  much  to  relieve  this 
affection.  Under  any  circum- 
stances, the  best  that  can  be   done 


58  STRONG  EYES 

is  to  strengthen  and  improve  the 
general  physical  and  nervons  con- 
dition, the  great  majority  of  these 
affections  being  attributable  more 
to  general  debility  than  to  any 
specific  local  cause. 

Cataract — This  is  a  disease  dur- 
ing the  course  of  which  the  crys- 
talline lens  gradually  loses  its 
transparency.  Eventually  total 
blindness  is  the  result.  There  is 
supposed  to  be  no  remedy  for  this 
disease  but  the  surgeon's  knife, 
although  persistence  in  constitu- 
tional methods  of  treatment  with 
frequent  eye-baths  will  no  doubt 
remedy  the  trouble  if  commenced 
in  the  early  stages. 


DISEASED  EYES  59 

Diseases  of  the  Choroid,  Retina 
and  Optic  Nerve — Diseases  of  these 
structures  are  generally  caused  by 
the  excessive  use  of  alcoholic  stim- 
ulants and  tobacco.  Use  of  them 
should  be  dispensed  with  and  every 
effort  should  be  made  to  improve 
the  general  health  and  physical 
tone.  Little  if  any  improvement 
can  be  expected  from  any  other 
than  the  constitutional  treatment 
recommended  in  these  pages. 

Miscellaneous  Diseases — By  care- 
fully reading  the  description  of  the 
particular  treatments  advised  for 
the  various  weaknesses  and  defects 
of  the  eyes  you  will  note  that  they 
are  almost  identical.  If  the  blood 
is  purified,  the  entire  nervous  sys- 


60  STRONG  EYES 

tern  strengthened  and  the  system 
of  special  eyes  exercises  taken  reg- 
ularly in  combination  with  the  eye- 
bath  and  massage  no  matter  what 
may  be  the  defect  or  weakness  of 
your  visual  powers,  gradual  recov- 
ery is  almost  certain,  and  any  de- 
fects of  the  eyes  that  I  may  have 
failed  to  mention  can  be  treated  lo- 
cally and  constitutionally  as  here 
advised  with  almost  absolute  surety 
of  ultimate  recovery. 


"Those  eyes— among  thine  elder  friends 
Perhaps  they  pass  for  blue; 
No  matter— if  a  man  can  see, 
What  more  have  eyes  to  do? 

— O.    W.  Holmes. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

CONSTITUTIONAL     TREAT- 
MENT. 

The  subject  of  constitutional 
treatment  for  strengthening  the 
eyes,  though  a  gradual  strengthen- 
ing of  the  nervous  system  by  build- 
ing up  the  general  health,  is  a  very 
extensive  one.  Only  a  few  of  the 
most  important  facts  in  reference 
thereto  can  be  mentioned  here. 
For  more  extensive  information 
61 


6*  STRONG  EYES 

along  this  line  would  refer  the 
reader  to  "Strength  from  Eating" 
and  other  books  of  mine  that  treat 
the  subject  more  in  detail.  But 
in  order  to  make  this  treatise  com- 
plete in  itself,  the  most  salient 
points  of  the  method  recommended 
will  be  stated. 

It  requires  more  energy  to  be 
sick  than  to  be  well.  If  one  is 
strong  enough  to  resist  illness  and 
live,  he  is  strong  enough  to  recover 
normal  health.  In  order  to  bring 
about  this  result,  to  take  exercise 
of  some  kind  is  necessary.  Out- 
door exercise  is,  without  question, 
the  best.  It  builds  muscular  and 
nervous  tone  by  purifying  the 
blood  and  accelerating  the  circula- 


CONSTITUTIONAL  TREATMENT  63 

tion;  assists  the  digestive  processes 
and  strengthens  the  entire  nervous 
system.  It  is  often  difficult  for  one 
to  secure  all  the  advantages  aris- 
ing from  an  out-door  life,  and  some 
complete  system  of  exercise  for  de- 
veloping and  strengthening  all 
parts  of  the  body  should  be  used 
daily.  Open  the  windows  wide  to 
the  light  and  air  when  exercising. 
Do  not  fear  cold  air.  There  is  lit- 
tle danger  of  catching  cold  when 
exercising,  no  matter  how  strong 
the  draught  may  be.  And  the 
smaller  the  amount  of  clothing 
worn  during  these  exercises,  the 
better  will  be  the  results  attained. 
Clothing  not  only  interferes  with 
the  muscular  movements,   but   it 


64  STRONG  EYES 

lessens  the  tonic  effect  of  the  aii 
upon  the  skin.  The  exercises 
should  be  as  simple  as  possible  and 
still  effectively  use  all  the  muscles. 
Each  movement  can  be  practiced 
until  a  slight  feeling  of  fatigue  is 
experienced. 

It  should  be  always  borne  in 
mind  that  however  beneficial  in- 
door exercise  may  be  it  can  never 
replace  out-door  exercise. 

To  obtain  the  full  benefit  from 
exercise,  daily  walks  in  the  open 
air  are  emphatically  insisted  on. 
Remember  that  no  matter  what 
kind  of  a  contest  an  athlete  may 
be  training  for,  he  always  considers 
long  walks  a  necessary  part  of  his 
training.  Walking  seems  to  have  a 


CONSTITUTIONAL  TREATMENT  65 

peculiarly  strengthening  effect  up- 
on the  vitalforces,  making  more  vig- 
orous and  healthier  every  part  of 
the  body.  Therefore  do  not  under 
any  circumstances  neglect  this  all- 
important  factor — long  walks  in 
the  open  air.  When  taking  these 
walks  it  is  advisable  to  wear  as  lit- 
tle clothing  as  possible  consistent 
with  warmth  and  a  due  regard  for 
the  conventions.  The  air  should 
come  into  direct  contact  with  the 
body  as  much  as  possible,  in  order 
to  secure  the  full  benefit  of  the 
tonic  effect.  Furthermore  clothing 
interferes  with  the  free  movements 
of  the  limbs  and  muscles,  thus 
vastly  decreasing  the  beneficial  ef- 
fects of  exercise.     But   under   no 


66  STRONG  EYES 

circumstances  should  a  vail  be 
worn.  There  are  countless  instan- 
ces of  serious  impairment  of  vision 
from  the  use  of  this  article.  Of 
course  whenever  possible  these 
walks  can  be  taken  in  such  games 
as  golf,  tennis,  and  the  like.  In 
taking  these  walks,  energy  and  life 
should  be  given  to  every  move- 
ment. One  should  walk  as  if  there 
was  an  object  in  view.  If  you  have 
no  object  try  and  make  one.  In 
fact,  the  more  play  spirit  that  can 
be  introduced  into  your  exercise, 
the  more  pronounced  will  be  the 
benefit.  In  walking,  keep  the. 
shoulders  back,  the  chest  high,  and 
at  frequent  intervals  inhale  deeply, 
expanding  the  chest  to  its  fullest 


CONSTITUTIONAL  TREATMENT  67 

proportions.  An  excellent  exer- 
cise is  to  inhale  to  the  limit  and 
after  a  moment's  pause,  to  exhale 
still  more,  emptying  the  lungs  as 
much  as  possible.  Then  inhale, 
filling  the  chest  to  its  greatest  ca- 
pacity. If  this  practice  be  per- 
sisted in,  to  keep  warm  will 
be  an  easy  matter,  even  though 
lightly  clothed.  Under  these  cir- 
cumstances, the  inhalations  will 
be  deep  and  full  and  the  quantity 
of  oxygen  supplied  to  the  blood  to 
generate  warmth  will  be  vastly  in- 
creased. 

In  connection  with  the  exercise 
suggested,  baths,  taken  at  regular 
intervals  and  with  sufficient  fre- 
quency,  will   be    found    beneficial. 


68  STRONG  EYES 

The  skin  is  covered  with  innumer- 
able little  pores  which  continually 
exude  poisonous  matter.  If  they 
become  clogged  or  unable  to  per- 
form properly  their  functions,  the 
system  is  called  upon  to  find  other 
means  to  eliminate  these  impurities. 
The  result  of  this  is  not  infre- 
quently a  complication  of  serious 
diseases.  The  quantity  of  fluid 
matter  daily  exuded  by  the  skin 
is  no  small  item  and  the  neces- 
sity for  frequent  baths  becomes 
manifest.  At  least  two  or  three 
hot  baths  should  be  taken  every 
week,  plenty  of  soap  being  used 
in  these  occasions,  and  the  skin 
should  be  rubbed  thoroughly  so 
all   extraneous   substances  will  be 


CONSTITUTIONAL  TREATMENT  69 

removed.  One  should  not  remain 
in  the  water  over  ten  or  fifteen 
minutes.  The  best  time  for  hot 
baths  is  after  exercising  and  im- 
mediately before  retiring,  as  the 
feeling  of  lassitude  following  a  hot 
bath  tends  to  quickly  induce  sleep. 
Do  not  remain  iu  the  water  too 
long  when  taking  a  hot  bath  as  the 
effects  are  often  quite  enervating 
under  such  circumstances. 

Cold  baths,  on  rising  in  the 
morning,  will  be  highly  beneficial 
in  many  cases.  It  is  not  wise  to 
leap  from  the  warm  bed  into  a 
freezing  bath  without  preparatory 
exercise.  Extremes  of  all  kinds 
should  be  avoided.  One  should  ex- 
ercise vigorously  immediately  after 


To  STRONG  EYES 

leaving  the  bed,  and  when  the  body 
is  in  a  glow,  the  bath  can  be  taken. 
The  use  of  cold  water  in  this  wayis 
a  great  tonic  if  the  recuperative 
powers  are  able  to  react  from  the 
shock  of  the  cold  water. 

If  there  is  still  a  disinclination 
to  a  cold  plunge  after  the  exercise, 
the  shock  can  be  greatly  lessened 
by  taking  a  preliminary  sitz  bath 
for  about  thirty  seconds,  wetting 
the  body  all  over  afterwards.  Cold 
baths  of  all  kinds  should  be  fol- 
lowed immediately  by  a  vigorous 
rubbing  with  a  rough  bath  towel 
until  perfectly  dry  and  warm.  If 
after  a  bath  and  thorough  rubbing 
there  is  the  least  feeling  of  chilli- 
ness,   one    should    exercise    until 


CONSTITUTIONAL  TREATMENT  71 

warm.  If  artificial  heat  is  used 
under  these  circumstances  the  nat- 
ural reaction  of  the  system  from 
the  shock  often  fails  to  appear,  and 
one  may  feel  cold  for  hours  under 
these  circumstances. 

It  is  remarkable  how  little  is 
known  in  reference  to  dietetics.  The 
appalling  ignorance  of  the  masses 
in  regard  to  this  vastly  important 
subject  unquestionably  results  in 
numberless  diseases.  From  the 
stomach  and  intestines  the  whole 
body  draws  its  nourishment,  and  if 
the  food  supplied  is  not  thoroughly 
masticated  and  is  not  of  a  character 
easily  converted  into  life  and 
strength  giving  elements,  the  en- 
tire organism  suffers  and  falls  easy 


72  STRONG  EYES 

prey  to  diseases.  To  properly 
treat  the  subject  of  diet  would  re- 
quire a  large  book  and  for  fuller 
information  I  would  refer  to  my 
book  previously  mentioned.  I 
shall  outline  a  few  general  princi- 
ples so  my  reader  can  proceed  with- 
out a  further  study  of  diet  if  he  so 
desires. 

There  is  nothing  that  outrages 
the  stomach  more  than  the  habit 
of  crowding  food  into  it  when  taste 
or  appetite  rebels.  One  should  eat 
when  he  is  hungry,  and  at  no  other 
time,  and  though  I  believe  that  two 
meals  a  day  are  better  than  three 
or  more,  each  individual  must  de- 
cide this  for  himself.  Always  re- 
member  however,    that  regularity 


CONSTITUTIONAL  TREATMENT  73 

in  relation  to  the  appetite,  and  not 
regularity  in  relation  to  the  clock, 
should  be  rule.  But  regardless  of 
the  number  of  meals  eaten  each 
day,  the  food  must  always  be  mas- 
ticated until  it  becomes  a  liquid  be- 
fore swallowing.  The  act  of  swal- 
lowing will  then  follow  involun- 
tarily. Further,  one  shouldmever 
overeat.  If  the  digestive  capacity 
is  exceeded  at  one  meal,  it  is  better 
to  omit  the  meal  following  in  order 
to  give  the  stomach  ample  time  to 
rest  after  disposing  of  the  overload. 
In  fact,  in  starting  the  constitu- 
tional treatment  for  the  eyes  here 
recommended  it  is  well  to  adopt  a 
very  abstemious  diet  for  at  least  a 
short  time,  as  beneficial  results  are 


74  STRONG  EYES 

realized  very  much  more  quickly 
under  these  circumstances.  For 
instance,  I  should  advise  that  in- 
stead of  eating  three  meals  a  day, 
the  diet  be  confined  to  one  or  two. 
If  two  meals  the  first  can  be  eaten 
at  noon,  the  second  in  the  evening. 
Do  not  eat  the  last  meal  too  late 
for  digestion  to  be  nearly  complet- 
ed before  retiring.  A  good  appe- 
tite is  particularly  necessary  in  the 
beginning  of  this  treatment.  Every- 
thing eaten  should  be  thoroughly 
enjoyed  and  masticated.  Ample 
time  should  be  allowed  between 
meals  for  the  thorough  absorption 
of  what  has  been  eaten  before  ad- 
ditional food  is  consumed.  No 
especial  improvement  in   the  gen- 


CONSTITUTIONAL  TREATMENT  75 

eral  health,  or  in  the  condition  of 
the  eyes  can  be  expected  unless 
this  injunction  be  duly  regarded. 
It  may  be  well  to  add  that  meats 
or  rich  foods  of  any  kind  should 
not  be  too  heartily  indulged  in,  and 
rye,  graham  or  whole  wheat  breads 
should  be  given  the  preference  over 
the  white  bread  commonly  used. 

After  persistence  for  some  time 
in  the  treatment  above  outlined  the 
muscles  will  become  stronger  and 
more  developed;  the  general  health 
will  be  better,  and  the  nervous 
tone  will  be  greatly  improved,  and 
the  weakness  of  the  eyes  will  begin 
to  gradually  disappear.  It  must 
be  clear  now  to  the  reader  how  this 
treatment  must  inevitably  benefi- 


?6  STRONG  EYES 

cially  affect  the  eyes.  The  eyes, 
like  every  other  part  of  the  body, 
are  nourished  by  the  blood,  in  fact 
depend  absolutely  and  unqualified- 
ly upon  the  character  and  quantity 
of  the  blood  supplied  to  them  for 
their  health  and  efficiency.  It 
naturally  follows  that  if  the  blood 
furnished  be  free  from  impurities 
and  rich  in  nourishment,  and  in 
sufficient  quantity,  the  eyes  will  be 
strengthened  and  brightened  and 
greatly  improved  in  every  way.  In 
the  absence  of  these  conditions,  it 
cannot  reasonably  be  expected  that 
either  the  eyes  or  any  other  organs 
of  the  body  will  adequately  meet  the 
requirements  imposed  upon  them 
by  the   strenuous   life  of  to-day. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

MASSAGE  OF  THE  EYES. 

Supplementary  to  the  method  of 
treatment  herein  advocated  for 
strengthening  the  eyes  by  improv- 
ing the  general  health  and  nervous 
tone,  the  practice  of  eye  massage 
has  considerable  value.  The  ben- 
eficial effects  of  massage  for  all 
parts  of  the  body  is  universally 
known.  It  was  employed  for  cen- 
turies as  an  invaluable  aid  to  the 
successful  treatment  of  many  forms 
of  disease.     It  accelerates  the  cir- 

77 


78  STRONG  EYES 

dilation  of  the  blood  and  has  a 
tonic  effect  upon  the  nerves.  "The 
professional  beauty,"  so  called — 
women  whose  sole  object  in  life  is 
to  be  beautiful — lays  the  greatest 
Stress  upon  the  value  of  massage 
as  a  preservative  of  health  and 
beauty  of  face  and  form,  and  one 
of  the  most  important  duties  of  the 
professional  athletic  trainers  is  to 
rub  and  knead  the  bodies  of  their 
charges.  Why,  then  should  mas- 
sage not  be  of  equal  value  in  the 
treatment  of  the  eyes?  Of  course 
it  is  dimcult  for  one  to  massage  the 
eyes  as  one  would  a  muscle,  but 
unquestionably  they  can  be 
strengthened  and  beautified  by  the 
massage  process.     Massage  of  the 


MASSAGE  OF  THE  EYES     79 

body  accelerates  the  circulation  of 
venous  blood,  replaces  exercise  to 
a  certain  extent  by  assisting  the 
system  in  the  elimination  of  im- 
purities that  would  have  a  deleter- 
ious effect  upon  the  general  health 
if  allowed  to  remain.  Massage  of 
the  eyes,  of  course,  would  have  a 
similar  affect,  accelerating  the  cir- 
culation of  blood  in  the  organs  of 
sight,  thereby  strengthening  and 
beautifying  them.  Of  the  many 
devices  on  the  market  for  applying 
the  massage  treatment  to  the  eyes, 
many  no  doubt  are  valuable;  but 
the  means  herein  illustrated  will 
prove  generally  satisfactory.     Ine 


18o3  E  STRONG  EYES 


Massaging  the  muscles  of  the  eyes. 
Press  finger  and  thumb  around  socket  of 
eye,  pressing  as  lightly  as  possible  on 
eye-ball,  endeavoring  to  massage  the 
eye  muscles. 


MASSAGE  OF  THE  EYES      81 

chief  advantage,  if  any,  of  me- 
chanical appliances  for  this  pur- 
pose is  the  suction  process,  which 
they  employ.  Exhaust  cups  are 
placed  over  the  eyes  and  the  blood 
is  by  this  means  drawn  in 
increased  quantities  to  the  parts. 
But  the  process  of  massage 
with  the  fingers  effects  practically 
the  same  result,  as  the  blood  is 
forced  along  by  the  gradual  change 
of  pressure,  whereupon  new  blood 
flows  in  to  replace  that  which  has 
been  forced  along.  The  massage 
treatment  should  follow  the  eye 
exercises.  If  the  influence  of  the 
massage  is  at  all  disagreeable  it 
should  be  taken  only  very  lightly 
and  for  a  few  moments  only. 


"Never  allow  strong  medicines  to  be  used 

in  the  eyes,  such  as  nitrate  of  silver,  sulphate 
of  copper,  acetate  of  lead  or  the  various 
preparations  of  calomel.  We  have  seen  eyes 
destroyed  in  a  few  hours  by  poulticing  for 
some  insignificant  disease  of  the  cornea."— 
Prof.  J.  H.  Greer,  M.D. 


CHAPTER  X. 

EYE  EXERCISES. 

The  exercise  of  the  eyes  them- 
selves, or  rather  the  muscles  which 
control  the  eyes,  the  reader  will 
readily  understand  must  neces- 
sarily have  a  strengthening  in- 
fluence upon  the  sight.  It  draws 
the  blood  to  them  and  increases 
their  virility  by  enabling  the  eyes 
to  secure  more  and  a  better  qualit}^ 
of  nourishment.  Each  one  of  these 
exercises  should  be  taken  as  il- 
lustrated, giving  very  careful  at- 
tention to  the  instructions  accom- 


83 


84  STRONG  EYES 

panying  each  exercise.  Whenever 
the  slightest  feeling  of  fatigue  is 
induced,  the  exercise  should  im- 
mediately cease,  and  after  rest- 
ing a  few  moments  the  next  one 
should  be  attempted.  Each  exer- 
cise can  usually  be  taken  from  ten 
to  twenty-five  times.  GREAT 
CARE  SHOULD  BE  USED 
NOT  TO  OVERDO  THEM 
THE  FIRST  FEW  TIMES. 
They  should  be  taken  once  each 
day,  morning  or  evening,  and 
should  always  be  followed  by 
slight  massage  and  the  eye  bath. 


EYE   EXERCISE  85 


Look  far  to  the  right'then  far  to  the  left 


86  STRONG   EYES 


Close  eyes  tightly  as  possible  several 
times. 


EYE  EXERCISE 


»7 


Turn  eyes  from  obliquely  upward 
to  the  right  to  obliquely  downward  to 
the  left.     Variation:  Roll  eyes  in  a  wide 

circle  to  the  right. 


88 


STRONG  EYES 


Look    far   upward;  then  far  down- 


ward. 


EYE  EXERCISE 


89 


Turn  eyes  from  obliquely  upward 
at  the  left  to  obliquely  downward  at  the 
right.  Variation:  Roll  eyes  in  a  wide 
circle  to  the  left. 


9o 


STRONG  EYES 


Eook  straight  forward  and  try  to 
clearly  distinguish  the  smallest  details  of 
objects  at  a  distance, 


CHAPTER  XI. 

EYE    BATH. 

Following  the  massage,  the  eye- 
balls themselves  should  be  care- 
fully bathed  in  salt  water  to  com- 
plete the  treatment.  The  water 
used  should  be  of  the  temperature 
of  that  drawn  from  a  hydrant  or 
well.  The  eye  bath  can  be  taken 
with  a  cup  made  for  that  particu- 
lar purpose,  but  the  really  best 
method  is  to  fill  an  ordinary  bowl 
half  full  of  water  and  then  to  stir 
in  one  heaping  tables poonful  of 
saH     until    thoroughly    dissolved. 

91 


92  STRONG    EYES 


The  Eye  Bath.       Ready  for  the  plunge. 


EYE-BATH 


Hold  the  breath,  immerse  face  in 
water  and  open  and  close  the  eyes 
several  times  while  under  water. 


94  STRONG  EYES 

Then  hold  the  breath,  immerse  the 
face  in  the  water  and  open  and 
close  the  eyes  several  times,  allow- 
ing the  eyes  to  remain  in  the  water 
as  long  as  the  breath  can  be  held. 
This  should  be  repeated  at  least 
two  or  three  times. 

These  methods  supplementary 
r.o  the  general  system  of  treatment 
for  strengthening  and  beautifying 
the  eyes,  if  sedulously  and  consci- 
entiously practiced  cannot  fail  to 
prove  highly  beneficial,  and  where 
one  has  acquired  the  habit  of  wear- 
ing glasses,  should  make  it  event- 
ually possible  to  entirely  discard 
them. 

Of  course  this  cannot  be  done  at 
once.    It  will  take  time.  *  How  long 


EYE    BATH  95 

one  must  persist  in  the  treatment 
here  prescribed  before  being  able 
to  dispense  with  spectacles,  will 
depend  npon  a  number  of  canses, 
chief  among  which  is  the  general 
condition  of  the  health  and  the 
eyes  when  the  treatment  is  begun. 
If  the  eyes  have  been  abused  for 
years  and  years,  one  can  hardly 
expect  the  trouble  to  be  corrected 
and  the  eyes  made  strong  in  a  few 
days  or  even  a  few  months.  It  is 
slow  process,  but  if  as  has  been  re- 
peatedly emphasized,  the  methods 
herein  suggested  be  earnestly  and 
carefully  followed,  restoration  to  a 
condition  of  normal  health  must  be 
only  a  matter  of  time. 


CHAPTER   XII. 

SPECIAL  EXERCISES. 

I  present  herewith  illustrations 
of  a  few  special  exercises  the  efrc*  I 
of  which  is  to  strengthen  and  ac- 
celerate the  circulation  to  tli£ 
muscles  of  the  neck. 

These  exercises  will  usually  de* 
velop  the  muscles  quite  materially 
in  a  short  time.  They  are  by  no 
means  an  absolutely  necessary  ad- 
junct of  the  treatment.     They  are 

96 


STRONG   BYES  97 

simply  a  slight  aid  as  the  strength- 
ening of  these  muscles  draws  more 
and  richer  blood  to  them,  and  in 
addition  the  eyes  are  unquestion- 
ably strengthened  sympathe- 
tically. It  would  also  be  well  to 
note  that  the  exercise  of  the  chew- 
ing muscles  necessary  in  the 
thorough  mastication  of  foods  will 
be  of  aid  in  adding  strength  to 
the  eyes.  As  these  muscles  ap- 
proximate perfect  condition,  the 
blood  also  nourishes  the  adjacent 
organs  and  tissues,  bringing  about 
in  them  a  corresponding  improve- 
ment. 

Each  movement  here  given 
should  be  taken  until  a  slight 
feeling  of  fatigue  is  induced,  great 


98  SPECIAL  EXERCISES 

care  being  taken  not  to  overdo  the 
exercises  when  first  begun.  In 
the  event  of  soreness  of  the  mus- 
cles from  over-exercise  a  thorough 
rubbing  of  the  parts  effected  will 
materially  lessen  the  stiffness  and 
:nconvenience  resulting  there- 
from, although  independent  of  any 
treatment,  tl»£  soreness  will  dis- 
appear in  a  few  days. 


STRONG  EYES 


While  pressing  with  hand  against 
head  bring  head  from  far  to  the  left  to 
far  to  the  right.  Same  experience  at 
other  side. 


TO°       SPECIAL  EXERCISES 


While  pressing  against  forehead 
bring  head  from  far  backward  to  far 
forward. 


STRONG  EYES 


101 


Turn  head  from  far  to  the   left 
to  far  to  the  right. 


io2  SPECIAL  EXERCISES 


While  pressing  downward  on  bowed 
head  bring  head  upward  and  far  back. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

EXERCISES     FOR      CONSTI- 
TUTIONAL TREATMENT. 

These  exercises  here  illustrated 
can  be  taken  nude  in  the  morning 
or  just  before  retiring.  The  will 
be  found  of  especial  value  in  assist- 
ing to  build  constitutional  vigor. 

Do  not  forget  the  necessity  of 
fresh,  pure  air,  and  see  that  the 
windows  are  wide  open. 

Continue  each  movement  until 
slightly  tifed. 

103 


I04  STRONG  EYES. 

If  you  have  an  exerciser,  or  are 
following  some  good  system  of  ex- 
ercise similar  to  that  of  the  writer's 
wi:h  device  made  for  that  particu- 
lar purpose,  there  will  be  no  neces- 
sity for  taking  these  movements. 
The  course  with  the  apparatus  can 
take  its  place. 

Do  not  forget  that  the  less  clothes 
worn  during  the  exercise  the  bet- 
ter. Exercise  vigorously,  put  vim, 
life,  energy,  determination  in  every 
movement,  every  effort. 

Exercise  No.  i. — Assume  po- 
sition as  per  Fig.  i.  Hold  el- 
bows at  sides,  and  raise  hands  up 
and  down  quickly  forty  to  sixty 
times.  ,  Now  draw  in  full  breath, 
all  you  can,  and  hold  it  while  you 


EXERCISES  FOR  CONSTITUTIONAL  TREATMENT   105 


make  twenty  movements.  Repeat 
three  times.  Now  flex  the  mus- 
cles of  arms,  and  imagine  you  are 
lifting  a  very  heavy  weight,  and 
bring  hands  up  and  down  very 
slowly.  This  is  for  developing  the 
arms. 


io6  STRONG    EYES. 

Exercise  No.  2. — Assume  posi- 
tion as  per  illustration  No.  2.  Draw 
in  deep  inspiration,  all  you  can. 
Now  hold  this  breath,  and,  keeping 
elbows  rigid,  swing  arms  quick  and 


strong,  far  backward  and  forward 
on  a  level  with  shoulders  as  long 


EXERCISES  FOR  CONSTITUTIONAL  TREATMENT.   107 

as  you  can  conveniently  retain  the 
breath.  Repeat  until  tired.  For 
expanding  the  chest  and  increasing 
lung  power. 

Exercise  No.  3. — Stand  erect, 
with  feet  far  apart.  Now  touch  the 
floor  far  to  the  right,  as  per  illus- 


tration; then  far  to  the  left.  Re- 
peat exercise  from  ten  to  twenty 
times. 


io8  STRONG    EYES. 

Exercise  No.  4, — Assume  posi- 
tion as  per  illustration  No.  4.  Keep 
knees  very  rigid,  raise  hands  higli 


as  you  can  over  head  with  elbows 
rigid,  from  fifteen  to  twenty-five 
times.  For  strengthening  the 
back. 

Exercise  No.  5. — Strongly  brace 
yourself  as  per  illustration  No.  5. 
Now   strike    out    hard    and "  quick 


EXERCISES  FOR  CONSTITUTIONAL  TREATMENT.    i°9 

with  right  and  left  hands  alternate- 
ly, reaching  out  as  far  as  yon  can 
at  each  blow.   Continue  until  tired. 


Connt  each  time,  to  see  how  much 
you  improve  in   endurance. 


no  STRONG  EYES. 

Exercise  No.  6. — Lay  flat  on  the 
floor,  hands  on  thighs.  Now  raise 
to  a  sitting  position,  keeping  the 
feet  on  the  floor.    If  yon  have  diffi- 


culity  at  first  in  holding  the  feet  on 
the  floor,  place  them  nnder  a  sofa 
or  chair.  If  the  movement  is  too 
difficult  even  then,  place  one  hand 
on  a  chair  to  assist  your  rising. 

Complete  the  exercise  by  tak- 
ing ten  full,  deep  breaths  beibre 
an    open  window.     Throw  should 


EXERCISES  FOR  CONSTITUTIONAL  TREATMENT.    I  I l 

ders  far  back  and  hold  each  breath 
about  twenty  seconds.  Alwavs 
breathe  through  the  nose. 

Do  not  forget  the  necessity  for 
a  walk  of  about  two  miles  at  a  fast 
gait,  (not  immediately  after  a 
hearty  meal)  increasing  the  dis- 
tance for  a  quarter  of  a  mile  each 
day  until  you  are  walking  six 
miles  per  day.  During  this  walk 
draw  in  many  deep  breaths, 
occasionally  retaining  breath  for 
a  moment,  drawing  shoulders  up 
and  back  as  far  as  you  can  and 
holding  them  in  this  position. 
While  holding  the  shoulders  thus 
contract  the  muscles  of  the  arms 
and    chest   as  tensely  as  possible. 

Conclude    the   movements    here 


"2  STRONG  EYES. 

illustrated  each  time  with  a  jump- 
ing exercise  similar  to  jumping  a 
rope,  and,  if  strong  enough,  jump 
back  and  forth  over  some  obstacle. 
Do  not  forget  to  take  a  hot  bath, 
with  plenty  of  soap  and  water,  two 
or  three  times  per  week,  after  even- 
ing exercise,  preferred. 


y  of  the  Alamerta 
Cou.  ition  ■ 

of  Optometrists 


aOW  HEALTH  AND  STRENGTH  ARE  GAINED 


The  Three  Great  Remedies  of  Nature 

Fasting,  Hydropathy  and  Exercise 

By  BERNARR  MACFADDEN  and 

FELIX  OSWALD,  A.M.,  M.D. 


PART  I-FASTING. 


Learn  to  interpret  your  instincts.    Every  organism  a  self-regulat 

Jig  apparatus.  Nature's  protests  againsi  health-destroying  habita 
Starve  a  man  and  you  will  also  starve  his  diseases. 

One  or  more  meals  daily.    Brain  work  interferes  with  digestion. 

Protracted  Fasts.    Instances  of  remarkable  cures.    Fasting  cure. 

Seven-day  fast  of  one  of  the  authors.  Its  effect  o*  mind 
and  body. 

HYDROPATHY. 

Co\d,  Nature's  specific  for  cure  of  germ  diseases.  Hydropathy  a 
crtk-s  remedy.     The  cold  water  cure. 

Air  baths;  their  remedial  effect  equals  that  of  cold  water.  Cold 
air  remedies  digestive   disorders.     Consumptives  cured  in  outdoor 

winter  camps. 

EXERCISE. 

Gymnastics  substituted  for  drugs  2,000  years  ago.  How  a  Con- 
sumptive miner  was  cured. 

Indoor  exercise.  Gymnasiums.  Quick  benefits  from  movement 
cures.  Bag  punching,  rowing  machines,  etc.  Free  movements  of 
sanitaiium  exercises  illustrated. 

PART  IV. 

Detailed  advice  for  treatment  of  Asthma,  Fevers,  Biliousness, 
Blood  Disease,  Boils,  Bright's  Disease,  Bronchitis,  Catarrh,  Colds, 
Constipation,  Consumption,  Coughs,  Croup,  Diabetes,  Diarrhoea, 
Diphtheria,  Dropsy,  Dyspepsia,  Eczema,  Epilepsy,  Erysipelas,  Gen- 
eral Debility,  Gout,  Grippe,  Headache,  Indigestion,  and  other 
diseases. 

Bound  in  Clotht  Postpaid,  $1.00 

PHYSICAL    CULTURE    PUBLISHING    CO. 


The  Virile  Powers  of  Superb  Manhood- 

By  BERNARR  MACFADDEN 
Assisted  by  Medical  and  Other  Authorities. 


HOW   MANHOOD    IS   LOST.      HOW   REGAINED   AND    DE, 
VELOPED  TO  ITS  FULLEST  PERFECTION. 

Containing  a  complete,  original  system  of  exercise  without  appar- 
atus ;  devised  specially  for  strengthening  the  vital  and  nervous, 
powers  of  sex.  Giving  a  complete,  detailed  description  of  the 
causes  of  various  sexual  weaknesses  and  methods  of  treatment  which 
can  be  used  at  home  without  additional  expense. 

There  are  many  good  works  on  this  subject,  but  none  are  practical 
enough  for  a  man  to  treat  himself  successfully  This  book  gives  yow 
practical  information  that  you  can  put  in  use  at  once;  to  your  benefit 
It  was  written  with  serious,  earnest  intent,  and  it  is  concise  and 
precise.  If  you  have  all  the  strength  of  your  manhood,  it  will  te'l 
vou  how  to  retain  it.  If  you  are  weak  and  suffering  from  the  evils  of 
the  past,  it  will  show  you  the  way  to  a  new  manhood  It  is  worth 
its  weight  in  gold  to  you.  If  you  purchase  a  copy  and  do  not  find  it 
worth  far  more  than  the  price  charged,  we  will  gladly  refund  your 
money.     No  book  containing  similar  information  has  been  published. 

IT  CONTAINS : 

Importance  of  Virile  Manhood.  Cause  of  loss  of  manhood.  Mas- 
turbation, causes  and  effects.  Sexual  excesses  and  its  effects.  Drains 
on  vital  power.  Effect  of  Tobacco  on  sexual  power.  Of  Alcohol 
and  other  stimulants.  Electric  Beit  fake.  Promiscuous  intercourse. 
Impotence,  from  age  and  other  causes.  Undeveloped  organs. 
Varicocele.  Is  Continence  Harmful  ?  Why  marriage  sometimes 
wrecks.  System  of  Exercises  for  strengthening  Sexual  Power.  Diet 
Bathing.  Remedy  for  Constipation.  Importance  of  Pure  Air. 
Mental  Influences.    Diseases  of  men  and  how  to  treat  them  yourself. 


Bound  in  Cloth,  Prepaid,  for  $1.00. 

PHYSICAL     CULTURE    PUBLISHING  CO. 

New  York  City 


Power  and  Beauty  of  Superb  Womanhood 


By    BERNARR    MACFADDEK 

Assisted  by  Medical  and  Other  Authorities 


How  Developed  to  the  Highest  Degree  of  Attainable  Perfec- 
tion.— How  These  Grand  Powers  are  Lost  and 
How  They  May  be  Fully  Regained. 

You  cannot  afford  to  be  without  this  new  book.  It  is 
worth  its  weight  in  gold  to  any  woman  with  brains  enough 
to  read,  think  and  act.  It  will  enable  her  to  make  some- 
thing of  herself.  It  will  enable  her  to  develop  her  highesi 
attainable  degree  of  beauty  and  power  of  body.  It  will 
save  many  thousands  of  dollars  in  doctor's  bills.  Every 
book  is  sold  with  a  guarantee  to  return  the  money  to 
every  dissatisfied  purchaser. 

CONTENTS 

Superb  Womanhood. —Present  Physical  Condition  of  Woman- 
Causesof  Wrecked  Womanhood— The  Curse  of  Prudishn  ess -Corsets. 
— Corsets  Weaken  Digestion. — Destroy  Beauty. -Increase  Natural 
Size  of  Waist. — Age  Women  Prematurely  and  Destroy  Womanhood. 
—Operations  that  are  Crimes  -Can  Wrecked  Womanhood  be  Re- 
claimed ?  -How  to  Fast  to  Produce  Results  -How  Exercise  Beauti- 
fies the  Body  -Photographs  of  Defective  Figures.— Exercises  for 
Developing  Suppleness  and  Symmetry.- Exercises  for  Bust  Develop- 
ment.— Exercises  for  Remedying  Physical  Defects -Exercises  for 
Remedying  Female  Weaknesses.— Natural  Treatment  of  Female 
Weaknesses.  — Childbirth  made  Painless  by  Exercise. —Bathing  an«S 
Water  Treatment.— Infallible  remedy  for  Constipation— Massage  as  a 
Beautifier.— Friction  Baths. 


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New  York  Cur 


STRENGTH  FROM  EATING 


By   EERNARR    MACFADDEN 


How  and  What  to  Eat  and  Drink  to  Develop 

Suppleness,  Strength  and  Beauty 

of  Body 

Muscular  exercise  develops  strength,  providing  nourish 
ing  foods  are  furnished.  Knowledge  of  the  elements  of 
which  all  foods  are  composed  is  absolutely  essential  in 
order  to  develop  strong  and  beautiful  muscles. 

This  book  teaches  you  not  only  what  to  eat  and  drink, 
but  how  to  eat.  It  gives  you  information  which  the  author 
has  collected  from  fifteen  years  of  study  and  experimen- 
tation. 

You  spend  part  of  every  day  in  eating.  Do  you  know 
how  and  what  to  eat  to  build  increased  strength  ?  If  not, 
this  book  will  tell  you.  Read  it  !  Think  as  you  read, 
and  if  the  plain  truths  it  contains  do  not  cause  you  to 
make  radical  changes  in  your  diet,  return  the  book  and 
get  your  money  back. 

TITLE  OF  CHAPTERS 

Appetite.  Mastication.  Process  of  Digestion.  Air  a  Food. 
Three-Meal  Plan.  Two-Meal  Plan.  One-Meal  Plan.  Necessity  of 
Pure  Water.  Meat,  or  Mixed  Diet.  Vegetarian  Diet.  Raw  Diet 
Cooking  of  Foods.  Food  an  Occupation.  Overeating.  Alcoholic 
Liquors.  Alcohol  is  Not  a  Food.  Drinking  at  Meals.  Coffee  and 
Tea.  White  Bread  Curse.  Elements  of  Foods.  Muscle  Making 
Elements.  Fattening  Elements.  Analysis  of  the  various  foods  made 
from  wheat.  Oats  and  Other  Grains.  Vegetables.  Dairy-Products. 
Fruits.     Meats.    Nuts.     Fish. 

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